About me 自己紹介

Thank you everyone for another year of warm support in 2015! Here are the 2015 most liked pics from my ‪#‎instagram‬‪#‎2015bestnine‬ ☆彡 Wishing you a healthy and prosperous new year with lots of crafty moments... of course!

Christmas is just around the corner and we still haven't set up our tree yet...

In fact when we moved from California to Japan this spring, we got rid of our tree because we knew that we have no space to set up a big tree in our tiny apartment in Tokyo. So we actually don't have a tree to set it up... (sobs)

So what to do? I decided to make a quick holiday tree using what we have in abundance in our house... Money? No! Unfortunately! Fabrics? Yes, of course! lol

So here's the tutorial if you decide to make a last minute mini Christmas tree for your family and friends. I know it's the craziest time of the year for everyone, so I promise I make it quick and simple!

2. Then cut out total of six pieces of tree patterns from your choice of fabrics - you may cut out trees from six different fabrics, or make it simple by using just one fabric. I used three different fabrics and cut out two tree patterns from each fabric (total of six tree patterns).

Note: Only five tree patterns are shown above, but you should have six tree patterns in total

↑上の写真では5枚しかないですが実際には6枚カットしてくださいね。

3. With RST (right sides together), layer two prints together to make three sets of tree patterns.

それぞれ2枚の生地を中表に合わせて3セットにまとめます。

4. Using 1/4" seam allowances, sew around the entire tree, leaving openings at the bottom. Make small cuts at "V" area as shown.

0.7cmの縫い代でまわりをぐるりと縫います。このとき、2ケ所縫わずに開けておきます。Ｖの部分に小さな切り込みを入れます。

5. Turn the tree right side out and push out corners. I like to use chopstick for this step (because we also have lots of chopsticks in our house!) but you may use a crochet hook, knitting needle, or any pointed object. Repeat for all three trees.

ツリーを表に返して角を出します。このとき、お箸、かぎ針、編み棒などを使うと便利ですね。３つのツリーすべて同様に行います。

6. Layer three trees on top of each other. Sew straight line at center, from top to bottom, through all layers of fabrics.

3枚のツリーを重ねて中心を真っすぐに縫います。

7. Begin stuffing tree with poly fill from openings at bottom. Be sure to stuff all points. After filling, close openings shut using small hand stitches.

ツリー下部の開き口から手芸綿を詰めます。角までしっかり綿を詰めるようにします。最後に開き口を縫い閉じます。

I used poly fill from local 100 yen store (dollar store). I ended up using one entire bag of poly fill (80 g or 3 oz) for this project.

私は近所の100円ショップの手芸綿をつかいました。今回はまるごと一袋使いきりました。

This is how it looks like after the poly fill is packed inside.

手芸綿を詰め終わったら底部分はこんな感じになります。

8. Make a bow using ribbon trim and attach it to the top of the tree using hand stitches.

リボンを結んでツリーのトップ部分に縫い付けます。

9. Optional step: Dab a small amount of craft glue to both ends of trims to avoid frills. Let dry.

ほつれ止めに工芸用ボンドを少量つけて乾かします。

Your stuffed fabric Christmas tree is now complete! You may check out my Fabric Rag Wreath tutorial (blogpost) if you're interested in making the wreath shown in below pic.

Now that the tree is done (sort of), I better start working on new year cards (we send each other new year cards in Japan instead of holiday cards)! Wishing you and your family the happiest time of the year from chilly and windy Tokyo☆彡

Well actually we don't have Thanksgiving here in Japan, but I still wanted to express my gratitude to my family, friends, and to those of you who follow and support my random thoughts and creations over here on my blog, FB, IG, and Flickr♥ Thank you my friends for your support and encouragement!! It means so much to me!

Crocheting (or knitting) is a proven stress reliever and I totally agree. The best part is the sense of accomplishment I get from finishing one tiny project like this one. It's especially therapeutic when you're raising teenagers in your house. lol

For quite some time, I had this idea of making a house pouch from my original *Children's Pencil Bag* pattern... and I finally had a chance to put it together. As you can see, birds are chirping at front windows, making lots of noises!